GET OUT: Events and activities in the South Sound

Fircrest Fun Days celebrates with entertainment and family fun

It’s going to be two days of family fun at Fircrest Fun Days as it celebrates its small town heritage. There will be live entertainment, rides, food booths, games, and arts and crafts. The stage line-up includes belly dancing, kids’ ballet, comedian/juggler Eric Haines, the Reptile Man, and bands playing music from the ’60s, classic rock, and songs by Elvis and the Beatles. Join in the Kiwanis spaghetti feed Friday (Aug. 7) or pancake breakfast Saturday; let the kids try out the climbing wall or mini golf. The festival will close with a fireworks display Saturday evening. Hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday at Fircrest Park, 555 Contra Costa Ave. Admission is free.

Week in the Park events is all about health and local resources

Explore where you live.

There’s something for everyone at the annual Week in the Park at Spanaway County Park, 14905 Bresemann Blvd., Spanaway. There will be a Youth Healthy Eating Cook-off, youth 3-on-3 basketball tournament, health and wellness awareness, employment and education resources, child ID services, free school supplies and more. Join in the fight against hunger and “Fill the Truck” with non-perishable food items that will be donated to the Spanaway Food Bank. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday. Admission is $3. For more information, call 253-798-4177 or go online to speakinglifedeveloper.org/events.html.

Park stewardship restoration at Tacoma Nature Center

Chip in by volunteering for Snake Lake Habitat restoration work on Friday. Join the Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St. Tacoma, as they care for the park by removing invasive plant species, replanting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience is necessary; come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Children must be accompanied by adults. Hours are 9 a.m.-noon. For more information, call 253-591-6439.

Cooking from scratch focus of class at Tillicum Library

Learn some cooking tips with Irene Poshtkouhi when she demonstrates how to provide delicious and affordable meals by cooking from scratch, with a focus on the benefits and ease of cooking legumes combined with vegetables from the garden. The free class is 3:30-5 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Tillicum Library, 14916 Washington Ave. SW, Lakewood. Call to register: 253-548-3314.

Saturday

Children explore and experience gardening at free event

Bring the family out for Garden Sensations, a free children’s garden experience. Explore everything about a garden; touch, smell, taste and learn to use your senses. Children 3 to 11 years old must be accompanied by an adult. It’s all happening Saturday from 12:45-2:30 p.m. at the Pierce County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden, 2607 W. Pioneer Way, Puyallup. For more information, call 253-798-6943, ext. 100.